Buffalo Mayor Proposes 25% Tax Hike in New Budget

Ryan's first budget plan aims to boost revenue through higher levies and fees

Apr. 16, 2026 at 7:12pm

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A photorealistic painting of the ornate Buffalo City Hall building, with the facade illuminated by warm, angled sunlight and deep shadows, conveying a sense of civic duty and political tension.Buffalo's historic City Hall stands as a backdrop to the city's fiscal debates, as Mayor Ryan proposes a controversial tax hike to fund municipal services.Buffalo Today

Buffalo Mayor Sean Ryan has presented his inaugural budget proposal to the city's Common Council, which includes a substantial 25% increase in local property taxes and a pledge to more aggressively collect outstanding fines and fees.

Why it matters

The proposed tax hike is a significant policy shift from the previous administration and could face pushback from residents already grappling with the high cost of living in Buffalo. However, the mayor argues the revenue is needed to fund critical city services and infrastructure.

The details

Mayor Ryan's budget plan calls for a 25% increase in the city's property tax levy, which would raise an estimated $45 million in additional annual revenue. The mayor also vowed to crack down on unpaid fines and fees, which he says could generate tens of millions more for the city's coffers.

  • Mayor Ryan presented the proposed budget to the Buffalo Common Council on April 16, 2026.

The players

Sean Ryan

The current mayor of Buffalo, New York, who has proposed a significant tax increase in his first municipal budget.

Buffalo Common Council

The legislative body of the city of Buffalo that will review and vote on Mayor Ryan's proposed budget.

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What they’re saying

“We must make tough choices to invest in our city's future and provide the services our residents deserve.”

— Sean Ryan, Mayor of Buffalo

What’s next

The Buffalo Common Council will review and debate Mayor Ryan's proposed budget over the next several weeks before voting on a final version.

The takeaway

Mayor Ryan's first budget plan represents a significant shift in fiscal policy for Buffalo, with a focus on raising new revenue through higher taxes and more aggressive fee collection. The proposal will likely face scrutiny from residents and the city council as they weigh the tradeoffs between increased costs and maintaining city services.